can anyone help with this problem?

Question

i want to build a hard war that take audio signal from a mic and display the power by colored leds,any suggestion how will i start, the roblem is that how can i get the average power in real time,please help

Answer 1

You have to construct level meter (he register level of input sygnal of mic) or VU meter (he register level of incentivity of Volume Unit - amplifier). For output power of the amlifier you have to construct power meter wich will register REAL output power of amplifier. This is three different meters and different constructions. There is only one possibility to sign VU meter as Power meter. It is possible if you know that for output power of 1 watt you have to adjust input of VU on level of 225 milivolts. In this case scale of VU meter could be signed in watts. (Strehgth higher then 1 watt you have to count by the logaritmic function). For more detail info contact me via mail. Veradisca & Best Regards, Neven.

Answer 2

Well, there are a few ways i can answer your question. First, you must ask yourself; " how much time and money am i willing to invest", and how much do i know about the principles of electricity & electronics. What it sounds like you are trying to do, is design a low-cost audio amplifier, that uses an array of LEDs (light emitting diodes) to trace and follow the input wave as it changes, and to be represented by what is called a "bargraph dispay". Assuming you know a little about reading schematics and basic soldering, if you just want to have a feel and fun of assembling this circuit as a self doer, the first step which i sincerely think at thi point, would be to pick up (it used to be a green and white book) at radio shack for about 20 bucks, its called 101 electronic projects (if memory serves). Also, there are a few kits out there for dirt cheap if you want to faniggle with that are capable of assembling with a breadboard which requires no soldering, and the total hardware dollar amount on a simplistic level shouldn't be more than 25 bucks, if you stay simple. This would include a breadboard, an assortment of jumper wires, 1 bargraph display or separte individual LED's(about 8 or 9) an IC Op amp and depending upon what the circuit calls for, a switch, a battery snap, and a battery + maybe a couple diodes and capacitors.

There are alot of formulas and math involved in the course but it is a rewarding field. Invest in a good calculator.

I looked for the circuit in my files, if i find it, i'll send it your way, or a similar electronic project link. Such RC project circuit diagrams and schematics can be found online for free. Anyway, good luck,

i hope i helped. I'll help as much as i can

Ted

Answer 3

Here is an LED VU meter:
http://sound.westhost.com/project60.htm

You'll also need the microphone preamplifier to go with it:
http://sound.westhost.com/project88.htm

The preamp has a lot of extras, but you can just build what you need for a single microphone.

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